Annual Tuttle Memorial Fishing Derby to be held on new date

LOWVILLE  The David Tuttle Memorial Ice Fishing Derby is usually hosted at Beaver Camp, 884 Buck Point Road, on the last Saturday in January. But because of a scheduling conflict, this year it will be Feb. 1.

The Cranberry Lake Fire Department fishing derby changed; it was always the first Saturday in March, so we didnt want to compete with a big derby like that. Theres a fair amount of local fisherman that go to Cranberry Lake, organizer Mark A. Tuttle said.

Mr. Tuttle had been arranging the event for several years along with his brother, David M. Tuttle, who died in April 2012 following a boating accident. The Beaver Camp Fishing Derby was renamed last year in his memory. This is the events 15th year.

The event is open to adults 18 and older and children 17 and younger.

Registration is $7 for adults and $5 for children. Anglers most likely will come across pickerel, perch and the rare trout. All trout must be released and anglers are limited to taking home five pickerel, according to state law. However, participants are encouraged to return their catches at the end of the day.

So they catch a fish, bring it in and if they meet minimum then their registration goes into a hat. Well pull winners from that. Some bigger fishing derbies get competitive and people cheat, so this eliminates that, Mr. Tuttle said.

Adults must submit a fish 18 inches or longer. All legal fish submitted by children will be considered. In the past the largest fish has been a 28-inch pickerel.

Usually people go to have fun with the family for the day, and in the meantime it benefits Beaver Camp ... promotes the sportsmanship of fishing and being outdoors, said Mr. Tuttle. Its a warm place thats close, so if kids get wet or have to use bathroom, parents have the necessities.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Beaver Camp Campership Fund, which helps children who otherwise might be unable to afford attending the camp. Participants are encouraged to bring warm clothes, waterproof boots and fishing supplies.

The event is held from 6:30 a.m., when fishing and registration open, until 2 p.m. Prizes will be given out around 2:30 p.m.

Additional questions can be directed to Beaver Camp at 376-2640.

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